The NFL has responded to criticism for their slap on the wrist of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice by sending a clear no tolerance message to NFL players and the league’s supporters. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a lengthy letter to every NFL owner on Thursday outlining enhanced policies and discipline measures under the personal conduct policy that will result in a six-game suspension for a first offense related to domestic violence or sexual assault and an indefinite ban for a second offense committed by any NFL personnel.
Last month Goodell came under fire after the NFL suspended Rice for two games and a public apology after a video surfaced of Rice dragging his then-fiancee out of a New Jersey casino elevator after punching her unconscious on February 15. In the letter, Goodell reflects that his decision was well below the bar of the league’s standard and that he didn’t get it right.
“We allowed our standards to fall below where they should be and lost an important opportunity to emphasize our strong stance on a critical issue and the effective programs we have in place,” Goodell wrote. “My disciplinary decision led the public to question our sincerity, our commitment, and whether we understood the toll that domestic violence inflicts on so many families. I take responsibility both for the decision and for ensuring that our actions in the future properly reflect our values. I didn’t get it right. Simply put, we have to do better. And we will.”
One thing that Goodell took away from the Rice decision is a need to offer treatment and family support to both the aggressor and the victim of a domestic violence incident. Rice, 27, entered a domestic violence pretrial intervention program in May as an exchange for the dismissal of a third-degree aggravated assault charge. “We will address these issues fairly and thoughtfully, respecting the rights of all involved and giving proper deference to law enforcement and the courts,” Goodell wrote.
The letter also touched upon harsher punishment regarding weapons and DUI offenses, both offenses that NFL players have made headlines for in the past year. New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez will stand trial for murder, weapons and assault charges for the murder of two men in Boston in 2012. Ex-NFL player Darren Sharper will face date-rape charges in five states. A preliminary hearing is set for September 16.